"I started putting seaweed on my scanner about ten years ago and have been smitten with the seaweeds of our California coast ever since," said Iselin, who added aquatic plant designs in green, purple and red to Samudra's boxes.

Iselin has also published a book called An Ocean Garden: The Secret Life of Seaweed and is currently working on a collection of essays and imagery on the seaweeds and kelps of the West Coast. The packaging with Iselin's fine art print. | Photo: Smeeta Mahanti

Chhotray launched Samudra after she returned from a trip to India with the desire to combine her interest in ocean conservation with wanting to live a healthy lifestyle.

"The desire to blend personal wellness with ecological integrity heavily influenced my desire to create the line," said Chhotray, also a senior communications officer at Break Free From Plastic.

Chhotray said she's always advocated for sustainability, but the new glass jars, bamboo lids and recyclable and compostable boxes certified by the Forest Stewardship Council now deepen that understanding.

"We've found that our clients enjoy reusing them for things like spices, small greeneries, and candle holders," Chhotray said. PHOTO: SMEETA MAHANTI